What Happened to Desperate Housewives?

Desperate Housewives, created by Marc Cherry, premiered on ABC on October 3, 2004, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. The series centered on the lives of four suburban women – Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross), and Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria) – as seen through the eyes of their deceased neighbor, Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong). The show masterfully blended elements of comedy, drama, and mystery, exploring themes of infidelity, murder, secrets, and the complexities of female friendships within the seemingly idyllic setting of Wisteria Lane.

The show's immediate success was evident in its impressive viewership, with the premiere drawing 21.6 million viewers and the first season finale reaching 30 million. By 2007, it was reported to be the most popular show in its demographic worldwide, boasting an audience of approximately 120 million. This widespread acclaim translated into numerous accolades, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards (two for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2005 and 2006), and four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Its innovative storytelling and strong ensemble performances were frequently highlighted by critics and industry bodies.

Despite its success, 'Desperate Housewives' was not without its controversies and behind-the-scenes drama. In 2010, actress Nicolette Sheridan, who played Edie Britt, filed a $20 million lawsuit against creator Marc Cherry and ABC, alleging assault and wrongful termination after her character was killed off. Years later, in 2019, during the college admissions scandal involving Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria penned a letter of support for Huffman, revealing that she had been bullied on set by an unnamed co-star and that Huffman had stood up for her. These incidents underscored the tensions that sometimes simmered beneath the surface of the show's glossy exterior.

The series concluded on May 13, 2012, after 180 episodes, with a finale titled 'Finishing the Hat.' The ending saw the main characters gradually moving away from Wisteria Lane and, as narrated by Mary Alice, ultimately drifting apart, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of life's transitions. Each character found a new path: Lynette became a CEO in New York, Gabrielle launched a successful personal shopping business and TV show in California, and Bree entered state politics in Kentucky. Susan was the first to leave, seeking a fresh start after the death of her husband, Mike Delfino.

As of March 24, 2026, 'Desperate Housewives' continues to find new audiences through streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ (outside the U.S.), a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless themes of family, friendship, motherhood, and community. The show's legacy is further evolving with the announcement of a new reboot/spinoff titled 'Wisteria Lane,' currently in development at Hulu. Executive produced by Kerry Washington and written by Natalie Chaidez, this new iteration is expected to feature a fresh cast and explore contemporary suburban secrets, aiming for a similar darkly comedic soap/mystery tone. While original creator Marc Cherry is not directly involved in this specific reboot, he has expressed interest in a potential prequel series set in 1960s Wisteria Lane, highlighting his continued affection for the iconic setting. Meanwhile, Cherry is also developing a new soapy family drama for Netflix, as reported in September 2025.